St. Landry democrat., 1887-08-13

paign is now quite apnarcnt-thelr am
munition was short. In order to turn
the tide of criticism away from their
leader, they have been compelled to
disclose prematurely all the material
they possessed with which to make an
aggressive wal upon Gen. Nichols.
They are able to utter nothing that will
prejudice him aught in the mind of
the right thinking patriotic people of
the State. All they have done or can
do is to repeat few stale often explo-
ded charges, charges which they them
selves have for the most palt admitted
in the past to be unfounded. For ex-
ample, the editorial of the New Orleans
States, Major Hearsey, now the leader
in the warfare upon Gen. Nichols and
the ablest writer in the State on the
administration side is now confronted
with this editorial eulogy of Gen.
Nichols from the editorial columns of Il
paper then partly owned and edited by
him, the New Orleans Democrat:
"All the intrigues and plots and
diplomacies which in tina: time crowded
the surface of affairs dwindle into their
legitimate insigniticance when cOntras-
ted with the modest but potent inhu-
ence that at once overruled and dwarfed
them all. 1t was Governor Nichols
intelligence and courage that led us
safely through that tremendous epoch,
and led US into the sweet refuge of
lasting and assured security. He
should not be suffered to return to pri-
vate life without this distinct and ex-
plcit recognition of the great debt due
him by the people OF louisiana
And the Capitolian Advocate the spe-
cial organ of the administration, now
most zealously employed in the attempt
to belittle Gen. Nichols and turn the
people against him, expressed itself in
these glowing words.
1.-THE steady ami unWavering charge
of 1876" says the Capitolian of that
date" has borne its fruits: and peace,
happiness and hope reign throughout
our borders. Or belorcd NichoIis, the
manned reteran and patriot. has purified
the escutche0n Of Louisiana, and WW
soon transmit uusulied the trust his Jef-
lom citizens hare pluccd IN his keeping."
These editors were then under live
ly sense of gratitude to Gen. Nichols
for the great service rendered by him
to his State and party. They are now
SO blinded by partisan prejudice that
they not only forget to do justice, but
they forget their own words.
But every one of these unfounded
charges were conclusively met and
ought to have been put forever to rest
by the State democratic convention of
1878. Here is what it said:
That Francis I. Nichols, by his pru-
dent and statesmanlike management
of the many delicate issues growing
out of the success of the party in 1876,
and resulting in the firm establishment
of the peoples government in Loui-
siana, deserves the gratitude of all
Louisianians; that his wisdom, justice
and moderation in the administration
of his high trust is in strict accord with
the principles announced by him in ac-
cepting the nomination, and has won
for him the respect of all as the COVER
nor of the VIII ole people of Louisiana,
and entltle him TO the support OF all
who love good government.
And again the State convention that
nominated Wilt for governor and Nc
Emery for lieutenant governor in 1879
adopted the following as the conclud-
ing resolution of its platform:
Resolved, That Francis T. Nichols,
now governor of Louisiana. is entitled
to the grateful acknowledgements of
his fellow citizens for his patriotism
and public services and his success in
cffecting the redemption of their liber-
ties.
Now, many of the very men that are
now seeking to detract from the fame
of Gen. Nichols and from his stand
ing as democrat were members of
these conventions. Did any one of
them oppose the passage of these reso-
lutions?
Let them speak out or forever hold
their peace.
Verify these short sighted politicians
in their blind rage do stultify them
selves.